Bamberg walking tour & city guide
A fairytale old town famous for its smoked beer.
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Bamberg, in Franconia in northern Bavaria, is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Germany, spared from major damage in the Second World War. Built over seven hills like Rome, its old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of narrow lanes, half-timbered houses and baroque churches, and it is famous across the world for its smoky Rauchbier.
The Old Town Hall and Little Venice
Bamberg's most famous sight, the Old Town Hall, stands on a small island in the middle of the River Regnitz, joined to both banks by bridges, its walls covered with colorful frescoes. Downstream, Little Venice is a row of old fishermen's houses with balconies and gardens right on the water.
The cathedral hill
On the hill above, Bamberg Cathedral, with four towers, holds the mysterious Bamberg Horseman statue and the tomb of Emperor Henry II. The Domplatz is surrounded by the Old Court and the New Residence, whose rose garden has a lovely view over the town's roofs. Michaelsberg Abbey crowns another hill nearby.
A classic walk through Bamberg
Start at the Green Market in the island town, then walk to the Old Town Hall on its bridge. Cross the river and walk along the bank for the view of Little Venice.
Climb up to the cathedral, the Domplatz and the rose garden of the New Residence, then return through the lanes of the hill town. The walk is about 3 kilometers.
Visiting tips
Bamberg is about 45 minutes from Nuremberg by train and makes a perfect day trip. Its many traditional breweries make it a paradise for beer lovers. Visit in late spring or autumn for fewer crowds.
Top sights in Bamberg
- 1
Old Town Hall
A frescoed town hall on a river island.
- 2
Little Venice
Fishermen's houses on the river.
- 3
Bamberg Cathedral
Home of the Bamberg Horseman.
- 4
New Residence rose garden
Views over the rooftops.
- 5
Michaelsberg Abbey
A hilltop former monastery.
- 6
Green Market
The main square of the island town.
Food markets & where to eat in Bamberg
Historic brewery taverns
Traditional beer halls.
Green Market
A daily produce market.
Sandstraße
Pubs below the cathedral hill.
Food to try in Bamberg
Rauchbier
Bamberg's famous smoked beer.
Schäufele
Franconian roast pork shoulder.
Bamberger Zwiebel
A stuffed onion.
Bratwurst
Franconian grilled sausage.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Bamberg
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in BambergCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in Bamberg.
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